Food & Cooking Recipes Appetizers 15 Make-Ahead Cold Appetizer Recipes for the Busy Host Too hot to cook? Skip the oven and stovetop and make these cold appetizer recipes instead. By Victoria Spencer Victoria Spencer Victoria Spencer is an experienced food editor, writer, and recipe developer. She manages the Martha Stewart recipe archive and is always curious about new ingredients and the best techniques. She has been working in food media for over 20 years. Editorial Guidelines and Kirsten Nunez Kirsten Nunez Kirsten Nunez is a writer who focuses on food, health, nutrition, and DIY. She has a master's degree in nutrition, and has been writing professionally for nearly 10 years for digital and print publications, such as Martha Stewart, Shape, Real Simple, Healthline, and SELF. She also creates original recipes, which have appeared on product packaging in stores. Editorial Guidelines Updated on June 30, 2024 Close Photo: Christopher Testani Do you know what we love about make-ahead cold appetizer recipes? No last-minute baking, sautéing, simmering, or frying. These recipes can be prepared ahead of time, so you can enjoy your party sans stress. Whether you're a Martha-level host or new to entertaining, you'll want to add some of these cold appetizer recipes to your list of party must-makes. Ultimately, having dishes made before a gathering is like having money in the bank—you'll be comfortable knowing that your menu is handled, no heat necessary. Best of all, these light bites are total crowd-pleasers that just might persuade you to prep all your appetizers ahead, or at least the majority (so you have time to focus on that special last-minute dish). 32 No-Cook Appetizers for When You Don’t Want to Turn on the Stove 01 of 15 Blue-Cheese Spread Nico Schinco Our blue cheese spread is quick and easy, but fancy, too, and comes together with just two ingredients: cream cheese and a creamy blue cheese, such as Roquefort. They're whizzed together in the food processor and seasoned to taste. Make it ahead and stash the spread in the refrigerator until party time. View Recipe 02 of 15 Rich Deviled Eggs Kate Sears Give your classic deviled eggs a delicious spin with smoked trout, pesto, and spiced hummus. Our version is particularly luxurious thanks to a secret ingredient: butter. View Recipe 03 of 15 Chilled Melon, Cucumber, and Mint Soup Cucumber and honeydew melon provide vitamin C-packed flavor to this no-cook, chilled soup that's made in the blender. View Recipe 04 of 15 Quick Shrimp Relish Tray Alpha Smoot The genius of this appetizer is that it combines the crowd-pleasing aspects of a shrimp cocktail with the ease of a relish tray. All you have to do is put the platter together and let guests help themselves to their ideal bites. It's less work for you—and more fun for them. As for the elements to make ahead? Prep the shrimp and refrigerate; also, make the crostini in advance, but store them in an airtight container outside of the fridge. View Recipe 05 of 15 Roasted Red Pepper and Walnut Dip This delectable vegan dip is best made a day ahead to allow the rich smoky flavors to blend. View Recipe 06 of 15 Chicken-Liver Mousse With Raspberry Jelly Courtesy of Christopher Testani Exquisite and easy, the rich combination of chicken livers and butter is beautifully complemented by sweet-tart raspberry jelly. View Recipe 07 of 15 Beet-Tahini Dip Julia Gartland This bright and satisfying vegan dip can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to three days, so you can focus on day-of activities, such as roasting and baking, as your guests graze. View Recipe 08 of 15 Guacamole Hummus Con Poulos Two favorite party dips unite in this creamy recipe. Three cups of cilantro leaves give the dip its vivid green color. View Recipe 09 of 15 Juniper-and-Gin Gravlax Justin Walker For a spectacular make-ahead cold appetizer, nothing beats a side of cured salmon. And while it looks impressive, this Swedish-inspired dish is actually easy to make. Besides the quality salmon, the main ingredient is time: You slather the fish with a salty-sweet spice mix and let it hang out in the refrigerator for three days. View Recipe 10 of 15 Greek Layer Dip Pernille Loof Whether it's a backyard barbecue, game day, or birthday party, you can't go wrong with this layered dip. Cannellini beans and Greek yogurt are pureed until smooth and creamy, then layered with ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and crumbled feta. View Recipe 11 of 15 Pan-Roasted Marinated Mushrooms Nico Schinco They take about 15 minutes to make and need at least an hour to sit before serving, but these marinated mushrooms taste even better when made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Serve this easy cold appetizer with buttery crackers and a selection of cheeses. View Recipe 12 of 15 Grilled-Vegetable Agrodolce Ryan Liebe Grill the eggplants and squashes for this agrodolce, then toss them with a sweet-and-sour marinade full of plump raisins and briny capers. They can be prepped the day before and refrigerated. All that's left to do is toast some crusty Italian bread before serving—and raise a glass. View Recipe 13 of 15 Mixed Olive Tapenade William Abranowicz Spoon it onto pita bread, pile it on slices of fresh mozzarella, or just let guests dig in with a toothpick. This blend of mixed olives, anchovies, and capers is the salty, savory make-ahead bite that we just can't get enough of. View Recipe 14 of 15 Mango-and-Avocado Salsa Martha Stewart Why limit yourself to tomato salsa? Sweet mango and creamy avocado come together in this bright and colorful riff. Serve with tortilla or plantain chips. View Recipe 15 of 15 Cantaloupe and Mozzarella With Prosciutto and Basil The perfect combo of salty and sweet, this flavorful appetizer will be the star of your summer menu. Scoop the cantaloupe balls in advance and assemble the dish just before serving. View Recipe Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit